History and organisation of the Institute of Operations and Information Systems

In operations research, mathematical models are developed and applied in order to find better decisions for economic planning problems. This includes, in particular, questions relating to production planning, scheduling, transport and route planning, packing and cutting problems, personnel deployment and resource allocation.

Methodologically, both exact solution procedures and heuristic approximation procedures are developed. These activities are based on strong fundamental research in the field of discrete and combinatorial optimisation with numerous international collaborations. Our research focuses on approximation algorithms, worst-case analysis of heuristics, complexity analyses and algorithmic graph theory. Further fields of research are social choice theory and applied statistics.

The Operations Research Department is located in RESOWI, Building E3.

The department is headed by Prof. Dr Ulrich Pferschy and Margit Grisold is in charge of the secretariat .

In general, we deal with the topic of the circular economy and the associated economic aspects. Our research activities are closely linked to the Graz Repair Network and its participating companies and organisations.

In addition to operational models of decision support to improve the competitiveness of companies, we also deal with strategic and structural issues. This structure is also reflected in teaching, especially in the specialisation Closed-loop Supply Chains/Sustainable Operations.

In terms of methodology, both analytical models and empirical approaches are used in order to adequately map and process the breadth of issues. Particular attention is paid to the balance between internationally recognised basic research and the local relevance of the research results. A second research focus on metaheuristics and their logistical applications is positioned at the interface to Operations Research, which is also complemented in teaching by a specialisation in the Master's degree.

The Supply Chain Management department is located in RESOWI, section E3.

The department is headed by Prof. Dr Marc Reimann and Margit Grisold is in charge of the secretariat.

As part of Design Science Research, information systems for economic problems are designed, research prototypes are developed and evaluated. In addition to the automation of operational processes, the focus is on improved decision support. The effects of information systems on society are also analysed using empirical methods.

The research focus of the department also includes evaluation (e.g. in the university sector, such as research evaluation) and selected areas of information law (in particular data protection and copyright law, including plagiarism problems). Another research area deals with informetric and scientometric (measurement and quantification of information and science) and social media analyses. Another focus is on analysing the potential of information technology to change existing business models and develop new ones. The potential of digital media for changes in informal learning in different cultures, which have not yet been researched in this respect, is also being analysed. Innovative forms of e-learning are a particular focus here.

The Business Analytics and Data Science Centre (BANDAS Centre) of the SOWI faculty is located in close proximity.

The Information Systems department is located in RESOWI, building sections F3 and G3.

The department is headed by Prof Dr Stefan Thalmann and Sonja Schreckmair is in charge of the secretariat .